PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured the provincial governments that his government will increase the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) in next year’s budget.
When delivering his 43rd independence nation address, Wednesday, Sogavare said his attendance to our provincial 2nd Appointed Days in our Provinces is manifestation of his desire to decentralise and ensure appropriate development programmes are focused throughout our country.
“I must say that I witnessed first-hand how most of our provinces are being neglected over the years. This is something that this government will work hard to address.
“I have also assured the Provincial Governments that we will review the Provincial Government Act 1997 to give more devolved functions and powers to provinces.”
Sogavare said during his attendance to the 2nd Appointed Days “My message to our provinces was ‘National Unity’ and I was extremely happy to see other Provincial Premiers and Deputy Premiers attending these 2nd Appointed Days as well.”
“I used the opportunity to remind our Provinces that the relationship between the Provincial Government and the National Government is governed by the Provincial Government Act. The Act clearly outlines the functions and powers of the provincial executive. All provinces must operate within the ambit of the Provincial Government Act.”
Sogavare said Provincial governments as agents of the national government should aspire to initiate developments and compliment the national government in service delivery.
“The relationship between the national government and provincial government must be understood. Provincial Governments as agents to the national government must be at the forefront to facilitate national development plans.”
He said engaging on mere political rhetoric that have not bearing within the provincial governments mandate is but a demonstration of lack of understanding of our provincial government system.
“We must be united in our development aspirations. The country’s future hinges on understanding this relationship. Underestimating or ignoring the relationship would be putting the future of our country at risk.
“We are a country of diverse culture and language; however, we are all connected through history, inter marriage, custom and culture and Christianity.”
Sogavare said it is the responsibility of each Provincial Government to ensure the country remain strong and united, and to that end I want to thank all the provinces who are agents of UNITY in our beloved country.
By FOLLET JOHN
Newsroom, Honiara
